College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Appointment

• 30% Research
• 70% Extension

About Me

I am a plant scientist and educator whose work bridges horticulture, plant biology, engineering, and pedagogy. I founded the Plants X Tech Lab to explore how emerging tools like robotics, 3D printing, automated workflows, and open‑source platforms can expand research capacity, strengthen STEM education, and broaden participation in science. As Curator of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, I integrate research, teaching, outreach, and public engagement to create spaces and experiences that connect people with plants, technology, and the scientific process. My work is grounded in collaboration, community partnership, and the belief that scientific innovation should be accessible to all.

Education & Training

• USAID Postdoctoral Fellow, Innovation Lab for Crop Improvement | 2022-2024 | Rife Lab | Clemson University – PDREC, Florence, SC
• Ph.D., Plant Biology | 2017-2022 | Conservation Data Management through Taxonomic Delimitation – Leebens-Mack Lab | University of Georgia, Athens, GA
  • Certificate in Graduate Teaching
  • Certificate in Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development
• Research Assistant | 2015-2017 | Kelliher Reproductive Biology Team | Syngenta Crop Protection, Research Triangle Park, NC
• Horticulturist & Marketer | 2014 | Camellia Forest Nursery, Chapel Hill, NC
• B.S., Horticulture | 2009-2013 | North Carolina State University
  • Minor, Agricultural Business ManagementResearch Interests

My research focuses on developing accessible, open‑source technologies that enhance plant science research, education, and workforce development. Current projects include:

• Open‑source agricultural robotics (FarmBot) for phenotyping, automation, and STEM education
• Development of 3D printed tools and models to increase accessibility and lower barriers to research and education focused on plant morphology, genomics, and development.
• Breeding, growth optimization, and evaluation of native ornamentals, currently including Asclepias, Cercis, Sarracenia, and Phlox
• Imaging and analysis of novel plastic uses in Honeybee hives

Across all projects, I prioritize accessibility, reproducibility, and community‑engaged approaches that empower educators, students, and researchers.

Future Work

I aim to expand the Plants X Tech Lab as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, accessible research tools, and community‑driven STEM education. Future directions include adapting and scaling open‑source platforms for broader classroom use, strengthening ag‑tech workforce pipelines, and developing new frameworks that merge engineering, plant science, and public engagement. I am committed to training the next generation through hands‑on, collaborative, and inclusive experiences.

Teaching & Mentoring

My mentorship focuses primarily on graduate and undergraduate students while my teaching/outreach focuses on K-12 workforce readiness. My efforts focus on youth development and education in relation to:

• Open‑source technology in plant science
• Research methods and experimental design
• STEM identity development
• Development of universal skills like problem solving and critical thinking
• Community‑engaged scholarship aka citizen/community science.

Extension & Outreach

My outreach integrates technology, horticulture, and education through:

• MSU 4‑H Children’s Garden programming
• K-12 STEM activities using 3D‑printed tools and agricultural technology
• Workshops on 3D printing, robotics, and accessible research equipment
• Community‑engaged curriculum development for ag‑tech workforce training

Selected Awards & Honors

• Assistant Professor & Curator, MSU Horticulture Gardens
• National and regional presentations on 3D printing in plant science
• Invited workshops at Botany conferences
• Multiple grant awards supporting accessible technology and STEM education

Fun Fact

I grew up wandering the woods next to Umstead State Park (Raleigh, NC) identifying plants with an Audubon Guide. When I was six, my mom bribed me with ice cream to visit Plant Delights Nursery only for me to refuse to leave. A decade later, my first internship was at Plant Delights Nursery. Now, I build open-source tools for plant research and education to try and inspire others the way I was.